Sounders FC: Authentic Masterpiece: The Inside Story Of The Best Franchise Launch In American Sports History


Mike Gastineau - 2013
    But what Adrian Hanauer, Paul Allen, Drew Carey, and Joe Roth did when they started the Seattle Sounders FC was no joke. They meticulously planned the launch of the Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise with an eye toward some lofty goals. Then they stood back in amazement as they rocketed far beyond those goals buoyed by a team that ignored its “expansion” label and a fan base that wildly embraced them. Through interviews with key executives, athletes and fans, author Mike Gastineau tells the story leading up to the launch of Sounders FC, the MLS expansion franchise whose seemingly overnight success has captured the attention of the Seattle sports community, sports and entertainment executives, soccer followers across the country and the national news media. In Sounders FC Authentic Masterpiece, readers will learn: * How a money-losing soccer club rocketed from the ranks of the minor leagues to Major League Soccer drawing sell-outs and regularly topping 50,000 fans per match. * The unique relationships between the eclectic group of seasoned sports executives, Hollywood celebrities and bar room soccer fans who came together to build a sports culture that validated Major League Soccer in Seattle and across the country. * The personalities of the players and coaches who took different paths to the team and turned their diversity into a winning team starting on opening night. Gastineau communicates to readers the entire history of events that led to the Sounders FC launch beginning with the role soccer fans played in securing a professional football stadium for the Seattle Seahawks. Also emphasized in the book are the soccer fans, bar owners and soccer subculture that existed in Seattle and was waiting to be acknowledge by mainstream professional sports leaders and media. The book also details how that soccer subculture directly impacted one of the biggest deals in MLS history, the signing of superstar Clint Dempsey in 2013. This is a story of sports, business, culture, timing, and luck. It demonstrates how powerful business people were able to check their egos and embrace their customers all for the sake of the fans, the city, and a soccer culture desperate to embrace a sports team that treated them with respect.

The Smart Take from the Strong: The Basketball Philosophy of Pete Carril


Pete Carril - 1997
    His son stood only five-foot-six but nonetheless became an All-State basketball player in high school, a Little All-American in college, and a highly successful coach. After twenty-nine years as Princeton University’s basketball coach, he became an assistant coach with the NBA’s Sacramento Kings. In 1997 he was inducted into the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame. Coach Carril inspired his teams with his own strength of character and drive to win, and he demonstrated time and again how a smart and dedicated team could compete successfully against bigger programs and faster, stronger, more athletic players. His teams won thirteen conference championships, made eleven NCAA Tournament appearances, and led the nation in defense fourteen times. Throughout his reflections on a lifetime spent on the basketball court and the bench, Carril demonstrates deep respect for the contest, his empathy and engagement with the players, humility with his own achievements, a pragmatic vision of discipline and fundamentals, and an enduring joy in the game. This is an inspiring and wonderful book, even for those who never made a basket.

Birnbaum's 2017 Walt Disney World: The Official Guide


Birnbaum Guides - 2016
    Turn to Birnbaum for details on all the latest additions to this park's immersive celebration of nature. Among them: • Pandora-The World of AVATAR, set to open in 2017, invites guests to a land themed to the blockbuster film AVATAR. The 2017 edition of Birnbaum's Official Guide to Walt Disney World explores this escapist realm that includes a glowing forest, floating mountains, flying Banshees, and a bona fide "E-Ticket" attraction: AVATAR Flight of Passage. • Sunset Safaris: A new nighttime adventure takes over the popular Kilimanjaro Safaris attraction. Birnbaum offers insight on how to make the most of an evening visit to Animal Kingdom and experience the magically extended orange glow of the setting sun. • Animal Kingdom now offers its own version of a Disney park "kiss good night" with the brand-new after-dark extravaganza known as Rivers of Light. Birnbaum sheds light on this combination of live performances, water screens, swirling animal images, and floating lanterns-taking place on and around the Discovery River. -- The Force continues to gain strength at Walt Disney World. In addition to a sneak-peek at Star Wars Land, currently under construction at Disney's Hollywood-themed park, Birnbaum gives the low-down on all the current fun, courtesy of Darth Vader and company. • Fireworks have blasted back into the Disney's Hollywood Studios, and Birnbaum explains where and when to view the seasonally presented Star Wars-themed pyrotechnic display. • Do your youngsters fancy themselves proud Padawans? We can direct them to the all-new Jedi Training Company, where they can learn to harness the Force, wield a light saber, and fight the Dark Side.-- What's it like to be a toy in Andy's backyard? WDW guests will find out soon - Toy Story Land is on its way! Birnbaum offers a first look at what to expect when this new 11-acre play land is complete.-- Put on your dancing shoes - Club Disney is a lively new dance party where the "walls come alive with classic Disney animation." We'll tell you where to find it!-- Get the scoop on new and newly-enhanced theme park shows and attractions, including Epcot's beloved Soarin', recently re-imagined and now known as Soarin' Around the World, plus Frozen Ever After, the wildly popular new family-friendly dark ride that transports guests to Elsa's Ice Palace and other Arendelle must-sees. -- Speaking of Anna and Elsa, we'll tell you the best way to meet them and even belt out "Let It Go" and other Frozen favorites with the revered royal duo.-- Disney Cruise Line weighs anchor a mere 50 miles from Walt Disney World, making a surf-and-turf vacation a tempting possibility for many a Disney guest. A special Birnbaum "bonus" chapter guides guests from possibility to reality, laying out all the details for pairing a Disney Cruise with a visit to Walt Disney World.

Finding Your G-Spot


Geetika Saigal - 2018
    The Chance that they had you and not another genetic version of you: one in 4 million billion. (yeah, that's a number too!) The Number of moments you have lived (knowing that any of us could pop-off any moment): ~9.4 million in our lifetime.You, Yes YOU, are a miracle.Do you not then deserve to lead a miraculous life?A life that you know is meaningful to you, that doesn't leave you feeling like you are simply running, not knowing where to and why so. So go on, give yourself and your life the best shot.How?By ceasing this race to 'somewhere' for just a few hours; Re-discovering Your Real Self, Re-aligning Your Thoughts, Revamping Your Life - All in (nothing worthwhile is simple!) 4 STEPS + 15 Do-it-for-Yourself EXERCISES.This book is written for all of us, whether you're just starting out your life or wishing to change it.About the AuthorGeetika Saigal is an MBA and Economics grad by education, a Corporate Leader turned Entrepreneur turned Writer by profession, an observer of the common place, an explorer of the unknown and a believer in self-created destiny. She chose the path of a life lived fully, explored globally, experienced intimately...before she took a pause, and started to write. This is her debut book.Explore her daily inspirations via the posts and stories on her Instagram handle @gstorytimeInvite her over for a conversation to your organization, educational institute, or an eager bunch of buddies by sending her an email on imgeetikasaigal@gmail.com

On the Clock: The Story of the NFL Draft


Barry Wilner - 2015
    No passing, running, tackling, or kicking. Hey, there isn't even a field. Yet the draft has become more popular than many other sporting events, including the National Basketball Association (NBA) and National Hockey League (NHL) playoff games, against which it goes head-to-head for viewers. In fact, the draft has spawned its own cottage industry in which names such as Gil Brandt, Mel Kiper, Jr., and Mike Mayock become as well-known as any of the first-round selections.In On the Clock, Ken Rappoport and Barry Wilner chronicle the history of the proceedings. The veteran sports writers take you from the first grab bag in 1936, when Philadelphia chose Heisman Trophy winner Jay Berwanger of the University of Chicago and saw him decline to play in the NFL, to the 2014 draft—considered one of the deepest in talent ever.Along the 78-year journey, learn about the competitions for the top overall spot (Peyton Manning vs. Ryan Leaf), the unhappy No. 1s (John Elway and Tom Cousineau), the big flops (JaMarcus Russell) and the late-rounders-turned-superstars (Tom Brady).Meet the draft wizards, from Paul Brown to Bill Walsh and Jimmy Johnson. And the draft whiffs that cost personnel executives their jobs.On the Clock takes you behind the scenes at one of pro football’s yearly major events. Barry Wilner has been a sportswriter for the Associated Press since 1975. He has covered virtually every major sporting event, including twelve Olympics, nine World Cups, twenty-six Super Bowls, the World Series, and the Stanley Cup finals, and has written thirty-nine books. He lives in Garnerville, New York.Ken Rappoport is the author of more than sixty sports books for adults and young readers. Working for the Associated Press in New York for thirty years, he has written about every major sport. His assignments included the World Series, the NBA Finals, and, as the AP’s national hockey writer, the Stanley Cup Finals and the Olympics. He lives in Egg Harbor Township, New Jersey.

The Falconer's Apprentice (The Falconer’s Apprentice Series)


William C. Oakes - 1994
    A book for apprentice falconers wanting to know the basics of becoming a falconer. Shows a step-by-step approach to training your first wild caught hawk.

Lonely Planet's Best in Travel 2018


Lonely Planet - 2017
    Drawing on the knowledge and passion of Lonely Planet's staff, authors, and online community, it presents a year's worth of inspiration to take travelers out of the ordinary and into the unforgettable - firmly setting the travel agenda for 2018.As self-confessed travel geeks, our staff collectively rack up hundreds of thousands of miles each year, exploring almost every destination on the planet. And every year, we ask ourselves: Where are the best places in the world to visit right now? It's a very hotly contested topic at Lonely Planet and dominates more discussion than any other. Best in Travel 2018 is our definitive answer.Now in a larger, hardback format, it makes for the perfect gift!Inside, you'll discover the:Top ten countries, regions and citiesBest value destinationsBest culture trips for familiesBest new openings and experiencesBest new places to stayTop destination races, from walks and marathons to cycles and swimsTop vegetarian and vegan destinationsTop small-ship expedition cruisesBest places for cross-generational family tripsBest private islands that everyone can useAbout Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveler since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travelers. Lonely Planet content can be found online, on mobile, video, and in 14 languages, 12 international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks and more.TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2012, 2013, 2014, 2015 and 2016 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category 'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times 'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) 0207This annual bestseller ranks the hottest, must-visit countries, regions and cities for 2018. Drawing on the knowledge and passion of Lonely Planet's staff, authors and online community, it presents a year's worth of inspiration to take travelers out of the ordinary and into the unforgettable - firmly setting the travel agenda for the year ahead.0802"Where to go? What to do? Why do it? All good questions, and all the answers are in this guidebook from the travel media company Lonely Planet, which clues you in on all the “must-visit” countries, regions and cities for the upcoming year. Lonely Planet’s staff of travel experts puts you on the trail of hidden-jewel journeys and offers tips on subjects such as best values, cultural trips, new accommodations, vegetarian and vegan eateries, value cruises and island resorts."Las Vegas Review Journal2017100401http://media.lonelyplanet.com/onix-fe... Planet0101GOODREPRUSLonely Planet Global Limitedhttp://www.lonelyplanet.comIE08201710... AI AR AW BB BL BM BO BR BS BZ CA CL CO CR CU DM DO EC FK GD GF GL GP GT GY HN HT JM KN KY LC MF MQ MS MX NI PA PE PM PR PY SR SV TC TT US UY VC VE VG VI018.27in026.71in030.73in081.235lb01210mm02170.5mm0318.5mm08.56kg03159781786571151BBLONELY PLANET (AMERICAS)US41160102Lonely PlanetTrade17.99USDUSZ

When Your World Falls Apart: See Past the Pain of the Present


David Jeremiah - 2004
    He includes inspiring real-life stories of people who have struggled with terminal illness, the loss of a child, or the imprisonment of a spouse. Jeremiah interweaves his own journal entries, revealing his battle with cancer and how the Psalms helped to sustain him during the fight of his life. When Your World Falls Apart is an invaluable source of help and encouragement for people facing major obstacles in life.

The Wenger Revolution: Twenty Years of Arsenal


Amy Lawrence - 2016
    In the subsequent twenty years as manager he has transformed the club. English football's longest serving manager has overseen a period of radical change. His experience spans across the spectrum from complex challenges to historic success.The Wenger Revolution chronicles this fascinating era through the combination of distinctive photographs taken from the inner sanctum, and words from Amy Lawrence.This is a stunning photographic journey, based on the images captured by official club photographer Stuart MacFarlane, who has had exclusive access for many years. Publication coincides with the twentieth anniversary of Wenger's arrival in England.The Arsenal he joined bears little resemblance to what the club looks like as we approach 2016. A total renovation in terms of training, stadium, style, economics and a global audience has taken place under Wenger's instruction.His successes illustrate what a sensation he created in English football. He is regarded as a guru of new football methods, getting a club with a traditional English culture to give up drinking, modernize diet, embrace new training methods, and play with a panache that ripped up the stereotype of Boring Arsenal. The Wenger Revolution is worth commemorating, and this book will do so in style.

Mastermind: How Dave Brailsford Reinvented the Wheel


Richard Moore - 2013
    Leading cycling writer Richard Moore's profile of Dave Brailsford, the head of Team Sky and the man who masterminded the British Cycling revolution, gives a unique insight into the psychology of one of the most fascinating figures in world sport.

Sox and the City: A Fan's Love Affair with the White Sox from the Heartbreak of '67 to the Wizards of Oz


Richard Roeper - 2006
    An account of what it was like to grow up a White Sox fan in a Cubs nation, this title covers the history of the organisation, from the heartbreak of 1967 and the South-Side Hit Men to the disco demolition and the magical 2005 season when they became world champions.

The 4 Year Olympian: From First Stroke to Olympic Medallist


Jeremiah F. Brown - 2018
    But while juggling the demands of a long-term relationship, fatherhood, mortgage payments, and a nine-to-five banking career, he feels something is missing. A new goal captures his imagination: What would it take to become an Olympian?Guided by a polarizing coach, Brown and his teammates plumb the depths of physical and mental exertion in pursuit of a singular goal. The 4 Year Olympian is a story of courage, perseverance, and overcoming self-doubt, told from the perspective of an unlikely competitor.

Fix Tight Hip Flexors: The Ultimate At Home Cure


Lauren Bertolacci - 2013
    This means that they are involved in basic movements that we do every day like walking, running and leaning forward while sitting down, just to name a few. When this group of muscles get’s tight you are at a high risk for a lot of different problems. The great news is once you have identified the cause of your problem, you can get rid of the pain and tightness quickly. This book will take your through four key steps to ensure that you get rid of your tight hip flexors and keep them loose. The reasons may not be as simple as you think as this complex group of muscles does a lot of work in every day tasks. Bad posture, repetitive movements and weak muscles will also contribute to your issues. I'll teach you how to release your hip flexors and re-train your body effectively, no matter what the cause of your tight hips.Included are:Key stretches to release the hip flexors.Self massage on important areas to get a deeper release.Exercises that will take your hip flexors through a dynamic range of motion and stretch them actively.Postural exercises that will retrain your body so your hip flexors aren't working when they shouldn't.An understanding of what you need to do during the day to help your cause.A guide on how to put it all together effectively for your situation.

The Jersey: The All Blacks: The Secrets Behind the World's Most Successful Team


Peter Bills - 2018
     'Extremely well written. Compelling, accurate, insightful and brilliant in the way it captures the New Zealand way. - John Hart, former All Blacks coach.With a better winning record than any other sports team in history, they stand head and shoulders above their nearest rugby rivals, and go to the 2019 World Cup as back-to-back World Champions. How did a country of just 4.8 million people conquer the world?Peter Bills, who has reported on international rugby for more than 40 years, was given exclusive access to all the key figures in New Zealand rugby as he set out to understand the secrets behind the All Blacks success. From Steve Hansen to Beauden Barrett, Richie McCaw to the late Sir Colin Meads, Peter Bills talked at length with over 90 people, both in New Zealand and around the world, with intimate knowledge of what makes the All Blacks tick.This is a story of the first settlers, and the 'Originals' who forged the All Blacks legacy, right through to modern times. It draws heavily on the contributions made by all New Zealanders: players, coaches, officials, supporters and those who have worn the most recognized jersey in the world. Intrinsically, The Jersey goes to the heart of the All Blacks success. It is also an epic story of not just a rugby team but a nation, whose identities are inextricably linked. Additionally, it debates a question, terrifying for any of their opponents. Could the All Blacks get even better?

License to Deal: A Season on the Run with a Maverick Baseball Agent


Jerry Crasnick - 2005
    Now the true inside story of the sports agent business is exposed as never before.During baseball's evolution from national pastime to a $3.6 billion business, the game's agents have played a pivotal role in driving and (some might say) ruining the sport. In a world of unchecked egos and minimal regulation, client-stealing and financial inducements have become commonplace, leading many to label the field a cesspool, devoid of loyalties and filled with predators.Matt Sosnick entered these shark-infested waters in 1997, leaving a job as CEO of a San Francisco high-tech company to represent ballplayers--and hoping to do so while keeping his romantic love of baseball and his integrity intact. License to Deal follows Sosnick as he deals with his up-and-coming clients (his most famous is the 2003 rookie-of-the-year pitching sensation Dontrelle Willis). We become privy to never-before-disclosed stories behind the rise of baseball's most powerful agent, Scott Boras. And we get a novel perspective on the art of the deal and the economics of baseball.By one of baseball's most respected sportswriters, who is now ESPN.com's lead Insider baseball reporter, License to Deal, like Michael Lewis's bestselling Moneyball, will provide fuel for many a heated baseball discussion.